Post by on Jun 2, 2016 3:07:17 GMT

David Barker, a Canadian former resident in Kyoto, is now researching how Canadians are being integrated into society, here in Japan, during the time of the tabunka kyosei policies.

Currently, he is looking to speak to a diverse range of Canadians who are residents here, about their own experiences and perspectives.

To better let you know what he is doing, he'd like to a text version of questions that he uses for those Canadians who are able to do the interview for this research by email.

If you know of a Canadian resident in the Kyoto area who could answer even one, a few or all of the questions, that would help a lot!

He would also be interested in a comment by CIRs or any one involved in tabunka kyosei integration on how tabunka kyosei is going and what it is doing/trying/seeking to do in Kyoto.

By default, the names or workplaces, etc., of the person are changed in the transcriptions and final research, to keep responses anonymous. Workplace details are generalized, for the same reason ('working in administration/education/tourism', etc.) This can make some people feel safer in expressing their honest opinions, and respects the privacy of workplaces, organizations, etc. So, respondents need only let David know while responding if they would rather insist on keeping their names on their fine work! (After all, they may write a masterpiece!)

CIRs, or other tabunka kyosei workers, if providing comments on tabunka kyosei implementation, may wish to keep their names or their role on their work, if speaking as representatives of tabunka kyosei implementation, though this is not required.

"Responses by email greatly cut down my work, because I do not need to transcribe the audio file into text, which can often take hours. Many participants also prefer this option, because their lives are busy in Japan, and also because they can craft their thoughts carefully and with more precision. However, I can also meet face-to-face to record answers by speech (recorded on a voice recorder), when I am in Kyoto. (I am here from time to time, as I have family here.)

When I am here in Kyoto for a week or more, of course, it is always nice to meet my fellow Canadians, and those working in tabunka kyosei implementation, in person!

You may want to pass the attachment I will send you by email (if you contact me) on to Canadian coworkers or friends in the Kyoto area, and if you did, I would be eternally grateful."

As you will see from the attachment, respondents do not have to follow all the questions on there, strictly, or even answer all questions... these are 'prompts'. David welcomes all opinions on the topic, and 'wanderings', rants, etc. though hopefully somewhat related to the topic of being welcomed and integrated into Japanese society, under the tabunka kyosei policies.